The Home Buying Process:A Step-by-Step Guide

Educating yourself about the home buying process is never a bad idea, especially if this is your first home purchase. Select one of the ten steps below to understand what to expect during the transaction, or contact us for more information about buying a home in WV's Eastern Panhandle.

Shop for Loans and Get Preapproved

Next, find a lender you trust to discuss your finances. If you can, get preapproved for your mortgage. That way, you will understand how much financing you qualify for and will be able to make a stronger offer on the home of your dreams.

Understand Current Real Estate Market Conditions

If you want to find a home in a specific community or neighborhood in the Eastern Panhandle, research the selling price of homes in that area—not just the listing price—to confirm that you can afford a home with your must-have features. We can provide you with a list of recent sales in the communities of your choice. Just ask us for the Neighborhood Sold Report!

Find a REALTOR® You Trust

No two real estate agents are alike. That is why it's crucial to do your research and find out which agent will help you best achieve your goals. Be sure to choose a REALTOR® who has extensive experience in the neighborhoods you are considering! We invite you to connect with us and learn how we use our native knowledge and years of experience to help buyers find the home of their dreams.

Find Your New Home!

Browse the local listings database, visit open houses or talk with your REALTOR® to find your ideal home in WV's Eastern Panhandle. Take detailed notes, which should include pros and cons of each home, so that you can recall which homes you loved. Taking photos during showings is never a bad idea!

Make an Offer on the Home You Love

Once you have picked out which home is your favorite, work with your REALTOR® to determine a competitive but reasonable offering price. If you have been preapproved for a mortgage, the seller will see that you are eager to buy their home, so he or she will take your offer seriously. Have questions about making a strong offer?

Order a Home Inspection

Once the seller has accepted your offer, your REALTOR® will help you handle the final details, including the home inspection. During a home inspection, a licensed professional will examine the home you are considering and check for potential defects or problems. If necessary, you can work with your REALTOR® to negotiate repairs with the seller.

Review Your Contract

Before you sign any paperwork, carefully read over the contract with your REALTOR® or lawyer. Ensure that there are contingencies in the purchase contract, such as contingencies that will allow you to sell your current home first (if necessary) or that specify a certain amount of money for necessary repairs.

Finalize Your Mortgage Application

Work with your mortgage lender to submit your application, review predicted closing costs, and have the home appraised. Common closing costs include attorney fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, home inspection fees, courier fees, government recording fees and taxes. Have questions about closing or about common closing costs?

Close, Pay and Move In!

It's finally here—closing day! Meet with your REALTOR®, mortgage lender and the seller to finalize the paperwork, sign your contracts and pay your down payment and closing costs. After that, you will officially own your new home!

We'll Help You Buy Your New Home

We want you to make the best decisions possible when buying your new home in WV's Eastern Panhandle. As REALTORS® who are also natives of Jefferson and Berkeley Counties, we have collected a wealth of resources about the local housing market and the home buying process in general. If you have any questions or are ready to buy your new home, contact us.